St. Joseph's Secondary School Foxford - PROSPECTUS 2022 Meán-scoil Iosaif
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St. Joseph’s Secondary School
Foxford
Meán-scoil Iosaif
PROSPECTUS 2022
Telephone: 094-9256145/9257898
Email: info@stjosephsfoxford.ie
Website: https://www.stjosephsfoxford.ie
@stjosephsfoxford
@stjosephsfoxford
@stjosephsfoxfrd
Table of Contents
Page No.
Introduction ......................................................................................... 3
First Year Students................................................................................ 7
School Building Developments ............................................................ 8
Student Supports ................................................................................. 10
Guidance ............................................................................................. 17
Special Education Needs....................................................................... 19
Supporting Parents & Guardians .......................................................... 21
Information Technology........................................................................ 25
Co-Curricular Activities ......................................................................... 28
Extra Curricular Activities ..................................................................... 33
Rewarding Achievement....................................................................... 39
Wellbeing & Curriculum ....................................................................... 40
Assessment & Reporting ...................................................................... 43
Option Subject Choice 2022 ................................................................. 43
A Word from our Past Pupils................................................................. 50
Photo Gallery........................................................................................ 55
Dear Reader,
Welcome to our revised Prospectus for School Year 22/23. You will note that
some of the photographs reflect Covid 19 Protocols as they were taken during
the current school year. Photographs taken pre COVID-19 are also included.
We would like to thank the many contributors to this prospectus, staff,
parents, current students and alumni of St. Joseph’s.
A special thank you to Mrs Heffernan who has overseen the revision, co-
ordination and editing of our Prospectus.
Thank you to Nigel Reape Printing for working with us on the development
and production of our prospectus.
Miss O’Brien
2
Introduction
Mission Statement
St. Joseph’s Secondary School is a Christian community committed to educate
students at secondary level in a caring atmosphere of honesty, sincerity,
justice, mutual respect and tolerance in partnership with the Board of
Management, Staff, Parents and members of the wider community. The
school strives to give every pupil the opportunity to develop his/her unique
and special talents.
A Message from the Trustee
In 1960, the dream of the Sisters of Charity for the
education of young people in Foxford was realised
when St. Joseph’s Secondary School was opened. The
Sisters’ vision and foresight was to provide a
wholesome approach to education so that the
students who came through the doors could reach
their full potential in life. Today there are many
challenges that face young people. The importance of
a good education is essential to equip them to face
these challenges. St. Joseph’s Secondary School
provides a comprehensive approach to education, developing the intellectual,
physical, and spiritual aspects of all students. This holistic approach
endeavours to motivate students to explore their uniqueness and discover
how they can make a valuable contribution to society. In order to do this, a
wide-ranging curriculum is provided and delivered by excellent, dedicated
teachers.
St. Joseph’s is a Catholic School where all faith traditions are welcomed and
respected and every student is cherished. I hope this prospectus will provide
you with the information you need and that you will discover a school
community that is welcoming, vibrant and alive. The original dream of the
Sisters of Charity was that all students who went through St. Joseph’s would
flourish in life. This vision continues today!
Is mise, le meas,
+Paul Dempsey,
Bishop of Achonry,
Patron.
3
Principals Message
St. Joseph's Secondary School was founded in 1961 by the
Sisters of Charity. Today our school is managed by a Board
of Management under the trusteeship of Bishop Dempsey.
As a school we strive to continue the Sisters of Charity
commitment to education which serves our students both
now and into the future. The Sisters of Charity motto
“Caritas Christi urget nos” and our “Learning for Life” approach to education
underpins our work here at St. Joseph’s.
We recognise that we live in very challenging and changing times, now more
than ever. This causes us to rethink how we deliver a quality and appropriate
education to our students. Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has
caused us to open up new channels of communication with our students and
parents/guardians. We realise that change at a rapid pace can be difficult to
assimilate particularly for our students. We recognise the importance of
achieving a balance between new developments and student wellbeing and
the importance of students having support in school to assist them through
their years in St. Joseph’s.
As a school we are ambitious for our students. We have a progressive and
growing curriculum. At St. Joseph's we recognise that each student’s path
through education is an individual one but common to all that is that students
are encouraged to do their best to reach their full potential.
We look forward to realising our new building developments sanctioned by
the Department of Education and Skills for our school. The additional specialist
rooms for Construction, Engineering, Science and Art will complement the
facilities already in place.
Collectively as a school community, Students, Parents/Guardians, Board of
Management, School Management, Teachers, SNAs, School Auxiliary Staff, we
work towards meeting the needs of our students who present with a great
variety of talents, interests and abilities. There are significant changes since
our school was founded in 1961 but our focus remains unchanged, our
students remain central to all that we do.
Eileen O’Brien
Principal
4
Deputy Principals Message
I wish to extend a warm welcome to students who are
considering attending St Joseph’s Secondary School. St Joseph is
the patron saint of workers and our school is a place where we
work, grow, and help one another, where we form friendships
and share our hopes and dreams.
Students are encouraged and supported to reach their potential in every aspect of
life, the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and academic as each of these
complete the full person. We foster the individuality of each student within a very
caring school community. We very much follow the philosophy that each one of us
at St Joseph’s is on a lifelong learning journey.
The staff of St Joseph’s is here to welcome, support and help each student to reach
their full potential. We strive to develop our capacity to change within ourselves and
students as we all know ‘change is a constant and nowhere more so than in the field
of education’ especially so in these challenging times.
I endeavour to ensure a happy, caring, and respectful atmosphere which supports
staff and students in their work. I very much look forward to welcoming you into our
school community and to working with you as you make the transition to secondary
school.
Áine Mc Alpine
Deputy Principal
5
A Message from our Head Girl and Head Boy
Even though we are in our final year of Secondary
School, we both remember how daunting it was
moving into 1st year from 6th class. This will be an
exciting time for you meeting new people and
making new friends. You might be nervous to change
into a different climate, where you change classrooms every forty minutes and
adapt to many different subjects you've never had before! But not to worry,
everyone is in the same boat and thanks to the great support in our school, you will
settle in well!
We are very lucky in our school to have many support systems to create an
empowering positive atmosphere. In our school, every year has a ‘Year Head’, which
is a kind and approachable teacher, which anybody can talk to and seek help from
when needed. All our Year Heads communicate with the students in their year
group and discuss any individual concerns they may have. There is also a ‘Big Sister,
Big Brother’ Programme held yearly for first years. A First and Fifth year student are
carefully selected and paired together to help the first year student in school. We
found this a great help as we became friendly with older students and other first
year students, through many activities we did, such as walks, quizzes and football
blitzes. This was a great way to become more comfortable in our school, and to
meet new people.
After a whole six years of being in St Joseph’s Foxford, we both have seen and
realised the efficient work done by our teachers for the benefit of us students. We
are truly lucky to have such supportive teachers as they work hard to help us to
flourish academically, allowing us to portray our individuality through our own
interests such as sport, acting, debating and much more! We are also fortunate to
have many subjects offered to us right up until our Leaving Cert, and in more recent
years more have introduced new subjects such as Computer Science and Music. All
of this is further supported by other subjects. Physical activities and Sport are held
in high regard in our school, this can be vividly seen through the high participation
levels. As well as that, P.E class is in all of our timetables, where our very dedicated
teachers use sport to enhance our enjoyment of school life and is used as an outlet
to relax and enjoy ourselves.
We understand the changes that you are going to face in the near future make you
nervous, but we must remind you that there is always somebody to talk to, nothing
too big or too small to talk about, as our mental health and wellbeing is most
important in St Joseph's Secondary School. We, the Head Boy and Head Girl wish
you all the best in St Joseph’s and we hope you have as much fun as we did!
Catherine Duffy and Alex Murphy
6
First Year Students
Don’t lose your
I like finish- locker key and keep I look forward to meet-
ing early on The food in the your locker tidy! ing my Mentor and to
Friday canteen is PE and other activities
lovely
Do your best,
Don’t be afraid You will be
you will find
of meeting new grand, it is a
Keep your your way around
people, everyone good
timetable with very quickly.
is very friendly. experience.
you so you I enjoy my
know where Art
you are going! classes
I like baking in
Home
I met loads of new Economics.
people from You will make
Its good to change different schools lots of new
teachers every class. friends
The teachers
The older
are nice
students are
and helpful
nice to us
The day
I like playing
goes very
football on the
quickly
Astro. You get to
try new
In PE
subjects.
Just be you get to do
yourself different
My teachers
sports
encourage me
to do my best
There are lots of
interesting new
subjects
My option
subjects
are fun I was nervous before I
started but after a few days
Making projects in it was all ok and I’m really
Woodwork & Metal- enjoying 1st Year.
work
7
Recent School Developments
We are a Progressive and Developing School …
We are looking forward to our New Building Project which will include 2
Science Laboratories and Preparation Room, Art Room, Engineering Room,
Construction Room, Special Education Teaching Rooms, Classrooms, Common
area and Outdoor Playing Area. Our Design Team headed by Hamilton Young
are making progress in finalising our project design. We are looking forward to
the months and year ahead as we progress through the stages of our
Additional Accommodation Project.
We have expanded our Curriculum which we offer our
students. In recent years we have added Computer
Science to our Senior Cycle Curriculum and Music to
both our Junior & Senior Cycle Curriculum. In recent
years our range of Science Subjects in Senior Cycle has
grown to include Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
Our Extended Curriculum is proving very popular with
our students.
8
New Opportunities for Co-curricular Activities
We are always keen to avail of new opportunities for Co-curricular Activities
which support students Learning and Wellbeing. Since the start of School Year
20/21 we have embarked on new co-curricular ventures which are proving very
successful - The European Youth Parliament, NUIG MindOut Programme, FUSE
Anti-Bullying Programme, GAA Future Leaders and Real U Programme. We
continue to work as a Health Promoting School, implementing the H.S.E. and
HI Ireland Healthy Eating Programme.
The European Youth Parliament
Real U —Foróige RSE Programme
NUIG MindOut Programme
FUSE
GAA Future Leaders
We continue to work as a Health
Promoting School, implementing
the H.S.E. Programme
9
Student Supports
Year Head System
At St Joseph’s we have a Year Head structure in place. The Year Head has a vital
function in leading, co-ordinating and inspiring the students of a particular
year group. This year head liaises with subject teachers, monitoring student
academic progress as well as attendance, pastoral and behavioural issues. The
Year Head also liaises with home and plays a pastoral role offering any
appropriate support a student may need. Each year group is assigned a year
head. Parents are encouraged to contact the Year Head should they have a
concern which they wish to discuss.
Year Heads
1st Year Seán Carey scarey@stjosephsfoxford.ie
2nd Year Eileen O’Brien principal@stjosephsfoxford.ie
3rd Year Deirdre Foy dfoy@stjosephsfoxford.ie
Transition Year Declan Cafferkey dcafferkey@stjosephsfoxford.ie
5th Year James Cunney jcunney@stjosephsfoxford.ie
6th Year Breege Blehein bblehein@stjosephsfoxford.ie
Code of Behaviour
Implementation of our Code of Behaviour provides for the creation of a safe,
consistent and productive environment conducive to Teaching and Learning
and the Holistic Development of our students. Our students' positive and
cooperative behaviour allows us as a school to provide a wide range of
activities for students both in and out of the classroom.
Anti-Bullying
Here in St Joseph’s, we are committed to creating an environment that says No
to Bullying. We encourage students to report Bullying as we strive to provide
an environment free from Fear, Bullying and Anti-Social Behaviour. During the
current school year 21/22 we held our Inaugural “Stand Up Week “which
flagged the importance of tolerance and respect for diversity and inclusion.
We educate our students on bullying in its forms and consequences in
numerous forums – Year Group Assembly, Guest Speakers, Classroom Activities
most notably SPHE and Wellbeing etc.
10MindOut Programme
St. Joseph’s now provide the “MindOut Programme”
to all our 5th Year students. It is incorporated as part
of the timetable. The programme was developed by
the Health Promotion Research Centre in NUI Galway
in conjunction with the Health Service Executive,
Mayo Mental Health and Mindspace Mayo.
The rationale for the programme is promoting the
social and emotional well-being of young people and
that it is an important part of their positive
development, enabling them to achieve positive
outcomes in school work and in life generally. The
course duration consists of 13 weeks and includes modules like boosting self
esteem, dealing with emotions, challenging thoughts, coping with challenges,
support from others, happiness and wellbeing. Staff have received training in
delivering the programme and students will receive a certificate of successful
completion. By delivering this course we hope to enhance our students skills
in meeting the challenges of life and in promoting and developing a positive
mindset.
Mentoring
In St. Joseph’s we organise a mentoring programme run in conjunction with
Foróige. The programme pairs each First Year student with a Fifth Year
student for the year. The groups meet on a regular basis throughout the
school year where the Mentor and Mentee are given a chance to talk, mingle
and participate in games together. The idea is that each First Year student has
at least one older student in the school that they know by name and can call
their friend. Foróige match up each First Year with a Fifth Year based on
common interests and hobbies. The Fifth Year students receive training at the
beginning of the school year to prepare them in taking on their role as a
mentor. The mentoring programme, while run by Foróige, is overseen at
school level by a number of teaching staff.
11Students views on the Mentoring Programme
1st Year Student
During our transition from Primary School to Secondary School and as we
were trying to get used to new subjects, a busy timetable, a new school
environment, new teachers, new peers etc. I was really hoping the school's
Big Brother Big Sister Mentoring Programme would help me.nnnnnnnnnnnn
Now that I have met my Mentor I am looking forward to getting to know him
and having a supportive friend who I can talk to about worries or concerns I
may have. I do not want him to solve my problems for me, but because he
has travelled the same journey, he will be able to offer advice and knowledge
which will help me make good decisions. I am glad we are a good match, we
have shared interests so when we spend time together we will have lots to
talk about. This will help us build a positive relationship and have fun and a
bit of craic when we meet. I feel this will give me a greater sense of
belonging in the school and feel more connected like I did when I was in
Primary School. I like the idea of getting to know some of the students from
the older classes through my mentor and even just saying “Hello” when we
meet on the corridor will be good.
2nd Year Student
I enjoyed mentoring and bonding with my mentor. It was lovely to go on
walks. I had a really good bond with my mentor. I am still friends with my
mentor, I found her very easy to talk to and I could tell her anything. Now
that I am in second year I am still great friends with my mentor. She has
made my experience of secondary school so much nicer and easier.
6th Year Student
Assuming the role of a mentor was truly an enjoyable experience for myself
and my personal growth as a fifth year. It was nice to get to know the
students in first year and to interact with students I wouldn’t normally talk to.
It gave me a sense of responsibility and it felt nice to know that if my first
year ever had a problem I could be there to help them. I remember how
disorientating first year can initially seem and I think the programme is an
excellent way to help them find their feet.
125th Year Student
The Big Brother, Big Sister programme is a huge support for any first years
braving new experiences and situations they may not have been accustomed
to in school. Heavier workloads, meeting fresh faces and adjusting to a
completely different environment can be daunting, especially at a young
age. For this reason, it is important that they have somebody who has
previously experienced what they are going through to help give guidance and
advice, about how best to navigate through their first year at secondary school.
For myself in first year, I was lucky enough to be paired with a fifth year I
previously knew. She was more than willing to take me under her wing when
it came to any challenges I had, be it minor issues or slightly more serious
ones, she made it clear I could always go to her. This guidance from someone
who experienced the same new feelings not so long ago made school a much
more enjoyable environment. Especially as I’d known very few people from
primary school, it became a comfort knowing there would always be a familiar
face in the corridors. Not only did she help give me guidance, but she provided
me with encouragement to try new hobbies, as well as providing a
reinforcement that I was more than capable at achieving things I previously
thought I couldn't.
Now, as a fifth year, I am reminded of all the memories from first year, and how
daunting it was initially. I hope I can provide the same level of reassurance to
my first year if she ever needs it and help put her worries to rest. The
importance of the Mentoring programme cannot be emphasised enough.
Although some may rely on their mentors more than others, it goes without
saying, all mentees benefit. Even when you are getting on really well, there is
no harm in knowing there will always be someone looking out for you in the
hallways and in the school environment. I cannot recommend this programme
enough to any new pupils.
13Students Council
St Joseph's has a very active and prominent Student Council established within
the school. "The Student Voice" is extremely important and central within our
school, and we in St Joseph's endeavour to give every student the opportunity
to have their opinions and viewpoints heard. It places the student at the
centre of their own school experience, and allows for freedom of expression
and individuality. Each member on our Student Council is first nominated
from within their class group to represent their year. Elections are then carried
out. Nominees are first given the opportunity to speak in front of their peers
to outline their suitability for the job, and are then democratically elected by
their year group onto the Student Council.nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
This year's Council, like previous years, is actively engaged with a number of
projects within school life. They are involved in ongoing efforts to improve
school facilities and equipment, and to provide increased facilities for students
at recreational times. Given the challenging times that we are all living in,
normal school life for many has been compromised, and our Student Council
are endeavouring to make life as easy, problem-
free and solution-focussed as possible.nnnnnnnn
An initiative by a previous year's Council has seen
the implementation of a "Student Suggestion
Box", where students have the opportunity to
input suggestions or problems which they may
face in the course of their daily lives in St
Joseph's. Last year, the Student Council identified
the front foyer of the school as needing a little
improvement, so they purchased a new
embroidered school mat, from the proceeds of a
recent fundraiser.
2021 also marks the inaugural "Stand Up Week",
in support of the LGBTQI+ community. This
initiative was organised by the Student Council,
with the assistance of other staff members. It
proved to be a very colourful and successful
week, where the school focused on inclusion and
acceptance by all in the school. It is an initiative
which we hope will grow in size in the
coming years.
14Towards the end of the school year,
like previous years, our Student
Council will also lead the organising
of the "Darkness Into Light" walk for
school students, which will take
place in Ballina, in early May, with all
proceeds going to Pieta House. We
wish this year's Student Council con-
tinued success in their endeavours.
Student Council Members 2021-2022
First Year - Hollie Canavan, Megan McDonagh, Lucca Thornton
Second Year - Quin O'Hara, Eoin Murphy, Emma McDermott
Third Year - Lily Anders, Ciara Martin, Nathan Roberts
Transition Year - Lauren Butler, Dylan Coleman, Dylan Doherty
Fifth Year - Lucy Armstrong, Fiachra Cruise, Mila Sotoparra
Sixth Year - Catherine Duffy, Stephen Gallagher, Alex Murphy, Tess Nealon
15Health Promoting School
St Joseph’s is participating in the Health Promoting Schools Programme. In
May 2018 we raised our first HPS Flag for our achievements to date. Under
the direction of our co-ordinator and with the co-operation of our Canteen
staff and PE Department we have made significant progress. The emphasis on
the importance of a healthy diet is evident throughout our school. This is
supported by a “sweet free” canteen and our school status as a “Fried Food
Free Zone”. Our canteen staff provide a healthy menu for students to choose
from at break-time and lunch. The promotion of healthy eating & healthy
lifestyle is encouraged through school events such as a wide range of sporting
activities, sports day and tournaments encouraged by our PE Department and
the many teachers who involve themselves in extra-curricular sporting and
health promoting activities.
After School Study
After School Study is available to students Monday to Thursday from 3:50 pm -
5:50 pm and on Friday from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm subject to sufficient demand.
All of our students are provided with guidance on Study Skills through their
Guidance and SPHE classes and by external facilitators.——————————-
Local Sponsorship
Our local community recognises the positive character of our student body
and the efforts of St Joseph’s in meeting the needs of our students. Local
Business’ and Voluntary Groups are
generous in their support for our school
through Financial Contributions towards
Student Services, Sponsorship of Sporting
Events, Provision of Work Placements in
Local Business and support of School
Events and Committees. We are grateful
for their continued support.
16Guidance
Guidance in schools refers to a range of learning experiences provided in a
developmental sequence, that assist students to develop self-management
skills which will lead to effective choices and decisions about their lives.
It encompasses the three separate, but interlinked, areas of:
• Personal and Social Development
• Educational Guidance
• Career Guidance
The Aims of Guidance and Counselling
The guidance and counselling process aims to help
students to develop an awareness and acceptance of
their talents and abilities; to explore possibilities and
opportunities; to grow in independence and to take
responsibility for themselves; to make informed choices
about their lives and to follow through on those choices.
The Guidance Counsellor: Mrs Roisin Doyle
The Work of the Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Counsellor is involved in guidance and counselling related
activities such as:
• Planning and delivering the school Guidance Programme – The
Guidance Counsellor has primary responsibility for the delivery of the
school’s Guidance Programme, but a whole school approach is essential
to realise this objective.
• Providing one-to-one personal, educational and career counselling.
• Teaching guidance classes at Junior and Senior Cycle.
• Assisting students in the transition from:
- Primary to Secondary school
- Junior Cycle to Senior Cycle
- Second Level to Higher/Further Education/Training and
Employment.
• Organising trips to career events
• Assessment using psychometric instruments and inventories, to link
student’s aptitudes and interests to career options
• Vocational guidance interviews
• Promoting research and ICT skills, so that students can be self-directed
in their career exploration and development (e.g. Qualifax,
CareersPortal)
• Study skills
17• Subject choice for the Junior Cycle and for the Senior Cycle
• Supporting students in choosing subject levels appropriate to their
educational abilities.
• Senior Cycle Programme Options (e.g. TY, Leaving Certificate
Established, LCVP)
• Third Level application procedures (e.g. CAO, UCAS)
• Further Education application procedures (e.g. PLC)
• Third Level Access Programmes (e.g. HEAR and DARE)
• Organising guest speakers (e.g. Third Level Colleges and Further
Education Colleges)
• Providing information on grants (e.g. SUSI) and scholarships.
• Interview preparation
• Liaising with Management, Student Support Team, Subject Teachers,
Year Heads, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator/Learning Support,
etc. Liaising with outside agencies, student referrals to outside
agencies (e.g. NEPS, Occupational Guidance etc)
• Presenting Parent Information Evenings (e.g. CAO, Junior Cycle Subject
Choice, Senior Cycle Subject Choice)
Making an Appointment with the Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Department operates an open-door policy. Students can
request an appointment by meeting with the Guidance Counsellor when
available in the office throughout the course of the school day.
Guidance Website
The Guidance section of our website brings together a wide range of Career
Information aimed at guiding Students, Parents and Teachers in order to help
students research and explore all Career opportunities to their full
potential. There are many useful links which we also use in our Career Classes.
For example students and parents can access a Careers Calendar that is
updated with College talks, events and open days. Also in the quick link boxes
section students can complete self evaluation tests along with very useful
video guides ranging from CAO to Apprenticeships.————————————
Wellbeing: We have many resources on the website on various issues that
students may need support in and most importantly there are links available to
support groups. We recommend students and Parents access Guidance
information in their time at St Joseph’s.————————————————-
Guidance Noticeboard
Students are encouraged to keep a close eye on the Guidance Noticeboard,
which is located outside the Guidance Office.
18Special Educational Needs
The principle aim of Special Education in St. Joseph’s Secondary School is to
provide a positive learning environment, which will foster the academic, social
and emotional development of students with additional and Special
Educational Needs (SEN) and to enable each student to realise their individual
potential. In line with our ethos and official Department of Education and Skills
(DES) recommendations, special education provision will actively seek to
include the diverse range of cultures and abilities of its students.
At St Joseph’s Secondary School we offer the opportunity for students to take
the CAT 4 test prior to entry. The purpose of the CAT4 test is to assist in
identifying students strengths and needs in the areas of verbal, quantitative,
non-verbal and spatial. This data is used to help identify students who may
need additional support, including the exceptionally able. It also acts as a
guide for parents and students in the area of subject choice. The CAT 4
provides a Group Report for Teachers, Individual Student Report for Teachers
and Parent Report.
All students in 1st Year are encouraged to complete the Wide Range
Achievement Test Maths and Spellings. This gives a standard score for the
individual student. These scores are useful for both Maths and English
teachers and to identify students that may need accommodations in state
exams.
We have also introduced a new standardised test which has been recently
developed by the Department of Education and Skills, through the National
Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in collaboration with the Educational
Research Centre (ERC). The Post-Primary Assessment and Diagnosis – English
(PPAD-E) is a new standardised test of literacy in English for use in post-
primary schools as a screening and diagnostic tool for assessing literacy skills.
The test is:
• culturally appropriate and tailored to the Irish context
• designed for use by teachers
• helpful for screening for difficulties (particularly at first year intake)
• useful in diagnostic assessment, monitoring and evaluating progress
• can help identify if further assessment might be needed (e.g. speech &
language)
• helpful in contributing to the processes for RACE/DARE/Exemption from
Irish
• useful in establishing and reviewing literacy standards
19All of the assessments prior to, and during the first year enable teachers to
become very informed of student’s areas of need. Where it is considered
necessary a student support file is compiled to ensure necessary information is
gathered, appropriate targets are set for the student and support is put in
place.
Students are supported in an inclusive manner in St Joseph’s offering
differentiated teaching in a range of subjects. Where it is deemed necessary,
the form of support may be on a one-to-one basis or in a small group setting.
At St Joseph’s we strive to provide opportunity for all students to meet their
full potential. Learning support is an integral part of the timetable for students
with Special Educational Needs. Students will receive support, subject to hours
received from the Department of Education and Skills. Further assessment is
completed with students in Second Year and throughout their time at St
Joseph’s in an effort to track student’s progress and highlight any arising needs.
Existing Educational Reports or reports from other professionals which
Parents/Guardians are willing to share with our school should be forwarded to
the school marked for the attention of the Principal by February 2022. Should
reports become available to Parents/Guardians after this date, the report can
be submitted at your earliest convenience. This information is very helpful in
building the students' Learning Profile. Following submission of reports, we
recommend that Parents/Guardians meet with the Principal and/or a member
of the Learning Support team in order to plan for their child’s transition to St
Joseph’s.
20Supporting Parents & Guardians
This section provides details on the practical
points of Uniform, Transport & Books which are
key to getting your son/daughter ready for
attending St Joseph’s. Our Parents Association
is a support to all Parents & Guardians
throughout your son/daughters time at St
Joseph’s.
Communication between Parents/Guardians and school underpins a good
working relationship between all partners which is essential in the interest of
our students success in our school. We strongly encourage our Parents/
Guardians to be involved in the formulating and review of school policy.
Home-School Communication
In response to developments in Information Technology we now use a variety
of methods to communicate with Parents/Guardians including:
• E-mail, Text messages and Telephone
• Twice yearly student reports (Available on Compass)
• Compass – This is a software programme currently used in school to
maintain records such as student attendance, behaviour and
examination results. Parents/Guardians can log into this system via the
website to view their student’s details and information using a unique
Username and Password.
• Compass School Manager App — Our school app aims
to make it easier to communicate with school, view
students timetables, attendance, behaviour record
and reports. Attendance Notes for your student should
be entered on the App if they are absent from school or
you need to collect them early. Further details are
available on our school website. All Parents/Guardians are invited to
download the Compass School Manager App from the Apple App Store
or Google Play Store.
• Social Media—We have school Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages
where we celebrate the achievements of our students and
communicate news and events. Please follow our social media using
the following information.
@stjosephsfoxford
@stjosephsfoxford
@stjosephsfoxfrd
21Transport
Our school is served by both Public and Private Transport. The following is
provided as a guide:
• Bernard & Denise Ormsby 087-2525277 (Foxford, Knockmore,
Lisaniska, Corroy, Mount Falcon, Ballina, Cloghans, Tavnaghmore)
• Bus Eireann School Transport (Foxford, Attymass, Attymachugh,
Toomore, Callow, Lisaniska)
• Bus Eireann Public Transport (Knockmore, Corroy)
Based on previous school years, applications for Bus Eireann Transport must be
made online at www.buseireann.ie by 29th April 2022. It is advised to check
the Bus Eireann website for current information. Early application is advisable.
Parents Information Evenings
Throughout your son/daughter's time at St Joseph's Parents/Guardians are
invited to attend Information Evenings and Parent Teacher Meetings which
focus on the education and wellbeing of their son/daughter. When possible
all such meetings will be held onsite. Alternatively online meetings/phone
calls are made available to families during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Book Rental Scheme
We re-introduced our Book Rental Scheme in School Year 19/20. Participation in
the Book Rental Scheme is optional for families. A full explanation of our Book
Rental Scheme is available on our website. Payments for participation in the Book
Rental Scheme are made online via our “Easy Payments” link on our
website. Payments can be made by instalments.
For school year 22/23 full payment is required on/by
Friday 3rd June 2022. Books for Core Subjects will be
available for collection in mid-August. Date and times will
be advised to Parents via text message. Books for Option
Subjects are provided to students after completion of the
Option Subject Taster Programme.
For those who do not wish to avail of the Book Rental
Scheme, the purchase of Books for our school is facilitated
by Castle Book Shop in Castlebar. Book Lists are made
available on our school website by the end of May.
22School Uniform
School uniform is as follows:
Girls: School Shirt, School Jumper, School Skirt or Navy School Trousers. Skirt to
be worn with Black Tights or Black Socks. Skirt length to Knee. Black Footwear.
Boys: School Shirt, School Jumper, Navy School Trousers. Black Footwear.
PE Requirements: Navy tracksuit bottoms (Style/Brand to be advised)
Navy School Hoodie and School Crested T-Shirt.
The prescribed kit must be worn for P.E. class.
All uniform items underlined are of a specific design
and colour and are available for purchase from Ivy &
Bow Drapery, Pearse St., Ballina (096 77212).
Variations of these garments are not accepted as
school uniform.
Jackets: The School Jacket is an optional extra which
students can wear in class and between classes as
an additional layer of clothing if required.
Our school jacket was revised at the end of school
year 20/21.
A new style school jacket can be purchased from
O’Neills online shop:
https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/education/
schools/st-joseph-s-secondary-school-foxford.html
Jewellery: Small stud earrings (1 per ear) and a watch
are the only jewellery permitted to be worn.
Throughout the school day and while on school related
activities, students must be in full school uniform
unless directed otherwise by the event organiser.
Parents/Guardians are expected to give full support to uniform compliance.
23Uniform
24Information Technology
Information and Communications Technology prepares pupils to participate in
a rapidly changing world. As a school, we understand that the future is a
knowledge-based world and we aim to equip our pupils to access and use
technology to support their learning. We believe that the learning experience
and academic achievement of pupils can be greatly enhanced by incorporating
technology into the learning process.
ICT Infrastructure
There have been significant developments in relation to ICT and its
development in St Joseph’s in recent times:
1. We have two computer rooms in our school. One is dedicated to the
teaching of Design and Communications Graphics (DCG), while the other
computer room is used primarily for the delivery of the ICDL program,
teaching of Careers and LCVP.
2. A set of 32 Chromebooks (plus trolley) which are easily transported
around the school building is assisting students greatly, especially when it
comes to meeting their CBA (Classroom Based Assessments)
requirements.
3. Many teachers have received new ICT equipment and personal devices for
the purposes of learning and teaching.
4. Visualisers and overhead projectors have been upgraded in our school.
5. A set of 24 HP laptops (plus trolley) is also available for teachers and
students throughout the school building.
6. iPads have been purchased for some subject departments to enhance the
learners experience.
7. All classrooms have a desktop computer along with an overhead projector
and speakers so as to assist with learning and teaching.
8. A room which is dedicated to SEN students has desktop computers to
assist students with their learning through assistive
programs.
9. Use of the Google Workspace platform to connect with
students via Google Classroom is proving very beneficial
when it comes to learning and teaching, and sharing
resources with our students. All students are given their
own personal email account for school purposes (upon
enrolment), which allows them access to the Workspace apps, for
example, Google Docs and Gmail. Students receive training in how to use
the various apps. Management and teachers use shared drives for the
purposes of subject planning and collaboration.
2510. ICDL was introduced as an additional subject in 2016. Students get access
to the computer room for one class per week where they will become
familiar with the fundamentals of how to use a computer, and become
proficient in programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
11. All transition year students receive computer access throughout the TY
program. Students are encouraged to save/record all of their work, for
example, assessment tasks, projects and images, and to store their work
in the relevant folders in their Google Drive. At the end of transition year
students can then present their work via an E-portfolio.
12. Computer Science is now offered as an option subject at Senior Cycle.
13. Compass is the computer software that is currently used to maintain
records such as attendance, behaviour and exam results. It is now
available to parents/guardians of students attending our school.
14. ICT is a huge part of society nowadays and here at St. Joseph’s we aim to
have all of our students feeling competent when it comes to dealing with
ICT and being confident learners.
Google Workspace & Distance Learning
We are a “Google Workspace” school which allows us to connect with our
pupils using a very safe platform. It also gives us the ability to engage in
distance learning as we did during Covid-19 School Closures in 2020 and 2021.
Students and teachers communicated on a daily basis using Google
Classroom.
Google Classroom, which is a feature of Google Workspace, allows us to
engage with pupils by assigning classwork and homework, uploading videos
and resources, scheduling exams, creating quizzes and so much more.
Another useful feature of Google Workspace is Google
Meet whereby a teacher and his/her class can have a
virtual meet and continue with learning and teaching.
This is a very valuable resource for our school as in the
event of a school closure we can still connect with our
students to engage in distance learning.
26ICDL - (Formerly ECDL)
“Digital skills for learning and working
in an online world”
ICDL is the world's leading computer skills certification. It is a qualification that
enables people to certify their computer skills to an internationally recognised
standard. Students will learn real-world skills that will enable them to be
productive learners, employees, entrepreneurs and citizens in the 21st
Century. First, Second and Third Year students have one class of ICDL per week
with additional classes added in Transition Year.
Students will study the following ten modules:
• Computer Essentials
• Online Essentials
• Documents (Word Processing)
• Spreadsheets
• Presentations
• Teamwork
• Cyber Security
• Remote Work
• Data Protection
• Online Collaboration
These modules will help students demonstrate their effective use of
technology in the classroom, in third level education and also in the
workplace.
Students will receive a digital certificate on successful completion of one or
more ICDL modules. A pass rate of 75% is required to successfully complete a
module. Up to three diagnostic tests can be completed in class before the
official ICDL exam is undertaken. This allows students to be fully prepared for
their exams. A once off fee of €100 applies should a student wish to do ICDL.
27Co-Curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities are a regular and important feature of the curriculum at
St Joseph’s. Co-curricular activities assist our students' understanding of the
curriculum and help them to transfer and extend their knowledge.
Competitions, Field Trips, Voluntary Work, RE Activities, Language Initiatives,
Theatre Excursions and our School Immersion Programme to the Developing
World are just some of our Co-Curricular Activities.
Public Speaking & Debating
Our students are keen participants locally and
at National level in the area of Public
Speaking. Our Public Speaking teams have in
the past gone on to the All-Ireland Final of the
Mental Health Awareness Public Speaking
competition. In recent years, we introduced
Senior Cycle debating through Irish. Our
Senior Debating team have been successful in
competitions organised by Gael Linn. Our
students also compete regularly in Maths,
Science, Art, Enterprise, Business and other
competitions.
Field Trips
Field trips are arranged in many subject areas
and include visits to Museums, Art Galleries,
areas of geographical interest, areas of
historical importance and drama
productions. Field trips enhance classwork
and bring an additional dimension to students
learning.
Voluntary Work
There is a strong tradition at St Joseph’s of
participation in Voluntary Work and
Fundraising. Our students prepare Food
Hampers each Christmas for St. Vincent de
Paul. Students fundraise each year for
voluntary organisations such as Irish Cancer
Society, Cancer Care West, Special Olympics
and Trocaire (Bothar), Irish Heart Foundation,
Mindspace Mayo and Pieta House.
28Religious Education
St Joseph's Secondary School is a Catholic Voluntary School inspired by the
ethos and values of our founders, the Sisters of Charity. We work with the local
parishes to nourish the spiritual needs of our students at key moments in the
church calendar. Our commitment to the Catholic ethos is present through our
participation in the following events:
• Opening/End of School Year Masses
• Christmas Carol Service
• Penitential Services at Christmas and Easter
• School Retreats
• Prayer Services
Language Enhancement
Our students learning of Languages - English, Gaeilge and Modern Foreign
Languages - French and German are enhanced through Co-curricular Activities.
Our 3rd and 6th Year students attend Shakespearean Plays on an annual basis
to support their studies. Our Gaeilge Department have enriched their
curriculum through Irish Cultural activities including Tráth na gCeist, Ceilithe,
Irish Music Performance and our 6th Year students attendance at the Sraith
Pictiúr based show “Caith Amach É”.
Post Primary Languages Initiative
As a host school for students from various European countries, our students
have the opportunity to converse with students of different nationalities. Our
students are also offered the opportunity to participate in student exchange
programmes. We hope to recommence these initiatives post Covid-19
restrictions. This is an aspect of our school curriculum that we are developing
in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills Post Primary
Languages Initiative (PPLI) Languages Connect. Our students who have
participated in the exchange programme have found the experience very
beneficial for the development of their Language Skills most notably their
Listening and Speaking Skills. Our students recently attended “Thinking
Languages” which is part of PPLI.
29European Youth Parliament by Tess Nealon
The European Youth Parliament is an organisation
that I have been lucky enough to be a member of
since July 2021.
EYP is an organization that is not politically bound
to any government, and it encourages young
people from 4th year up, to get involved and
become an active citizen. During the sessions, we
discuss many topics from human rights and
environmental issues to economic and
employment issues.
Although it sounds very formal, EYP does not just focus on the intellectual
aspect, as the social aspect is equally as important as the information
discussed and learned. I’ve made so many friends within the organisation, who
are from all over Ireland and Europe!
EYP also gives delegates chances to travel, abroad and within Ireland, for
sessions. Each regional session is roughly 3 days long, and nationals are
roughly 5 days. I cannot express how much joy and knowledge EYP has
brought into my life and I would highly recommend it to anybody who is even
remotely interested. It was daunting at first, and I believed I wasn’t capable of
being a delegate. However, the opposite was true, and I am currently
participating in EYP on an international level.
If you have the opportunity to attend a session, go for it! I can guarantee you
won’t regret it. Hopefully I’ll see you there!
30Global Citizenship Education
We are all Global Citizens; we are here on a local level and on a global scale.
We have all a part to play and a responsibility for the world around us. Here in
St. Joseph's, we study Global
Citizenship at a formal level in TY, but
also at an informal level through Green
Schools and through many other
subjects like Geography, Home
Economics and Wellbeing. The
Sustainable Development Goals set
out by the UN are central to our
studies and inform our teaching and
learning.
Global Passport Award
We are proud to be Global Passport holders for the fourth
year running. This is an award we have achieved for our
ongoing teaching and learning in Global Citizenship
Education from WorldWise Global Schools. WWGS are an
educational organisation who are governed by the
government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They
provide teacher training, resources and some funding for
GCE in our school and work in conjunction with Irish Aid.
Each year our TYs attend an SDG themed workshop at the Irish Aid
Centre. The workshop is interactive in nature and is one that really brings
what is learnt in the classroom to life. In recent years the workshops have
covered issues such as food security in the Global South, the unequal access to
education around the world and climate change. We also invite guest speakers
in to speak to our students and to host workshops based on some of the issues
explored in class. These are always very informative and enjoyable talks and
workshops.
31School Immersion Programme to Mazabuka, Zambia with the Voluntary Or-
ganisation SERVE.
In 2017 and 2019 we had voluntary groups from the school who travelled to
Mazabuka, Zambia on a School Immersion Programme with the voluntary or-
ganisation SERVE. We worked in conjunction with the voluntary group from
Davitt College, Castlebar making us the first dual school immersion programme
in the country. The students, together with Ms. Donlon and a teacher from
Davitt College Castlebar spent the two weeks of the Easter Holidays working in
Zambia, after a lot of preparation and fundraising over the previous year and a
half. This is something we endeavour to continue embarking upon into the fu-
ture as it builds character in our students and contributes to them being well
rounded young men and women leaving our school. The group worked in a
town called Mazabuka with the in-country partner. Time was spent on the
Community Farm, in the Ark House Orphanage, in (Louybolola) a Primary
School and in the Flamboyant School for Children with Special Needs.
On the farm, they helped the farm manager har-
vest maize and pick soya beans, we camped in
tents under a mango tree at this stage! Back in
the town, the students stayed in the Community
House and interacted with the boys who live
there, learned lots from them and shared lots of
cultural experiences. They worked in one of the
local schools painting classrooms and interacting
with the Grade 7 students. They set out with the
aim to clean, wash and refurbish three class-
rooms but the group ended up completing six
classrooms in total. They visited the Flamboyant
School for Children with Special Needs (funded
by Irish Aid) and saw the amazing work being
done there. Some Irish Mercy Nuns were in
Kaleya, wonderful stories were shared from
amazing women who established many hospitals
and schools in the area. We supported the
women in Nchete House by purchasing paint-
ings, crafts and clothes from them as gifts for
people at home and as keepsakes. The Volun-
teers experienced first hand some extreme pov-
erty in the compound of Ndeke on the outskirts of the town. We took part in a
$2 a day challenge to walk in the shoes of a local. Finally, we spent two days of
well deserved rest and relaxation at the end in the tourist town of Livingstone.
32Extra-Curricular Activities
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer at St Joseph’s.
Extra-curricular activities contribute positively to our students holistic
development and to our overall school environment. A dedicated staff
supports the operation of extra-curricular activities.
Sport
St Joseph’s have a great tradition of sport in our school. Students have the
opportunity to pay Gaelic, Soccer, Basketball, Rugby, Cross Country and
Athletics enjoying much success. Over the years both girls and boys teams
have reached and won many Connacht titles and have also enjoyed All-Ireland
success in many disciplines. There is also a very popular Running Club which
takes place at lunchtime. This Club gives
students the opportunity to exercise and adds
to their overall wellbeing which in the current
climate is very important.
Gaisce—The President’s Award
Gaisce is a self development programme for
young people between the ages of 15 - 25
years. It is a very prestigious award and
encompasses the historic approach to
education. Gaisce is an old Irish word which
means “great achievement” and it is in this
spirit that the programme developed where it
challenges young people to set and pursue
personal goals in four different areas of activity
Community Involvement, Personal Skill, Physical
Recreation and Adventure Journey. The essence of the Gaisce programme is
“Dare to Dream” and the reward gained by students is immense.
Green Schools
Green Schools is an Educational Programme run in conjunction with An
Taisce. It is Ireland’s leading environmental management and award
programme. By doing this programme students enhance the school environs
and promote awareness and knowledge of environmental issues. There is a
thematic approach: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Water Conservation, Travel,
Energy, Biodiversity and Global Citizenship. Students participate in tasks
including: Clean up rotas, Recycling, Monitoring Green School notice board,
School enhancement, Working on theme and implementing steps.
33GAA—2020
2020 proved to be an extremely successful year for the Senior Boy’s GAA team.
Having won the Connacht league title the previous year, the boys set about
the year’s early competitions with obvious intent. They lifted the Flanagan Cup
just before Christmas, which was a sign of the success and competitive nature
of these lads to come. The lads then went on to progress through the early
rounds of the Championship and league, eventually culminating in a Connacht
Final against Balla. …….
After a gripping contest, which went to extra time, our boys emerged
victorious, and captain Adam Naughton lifted the Connacht Championship
Cup, for only the 3rd time in the school’s history. After this, the All-Ireland
semi-final was the next challenge, where Coláiste Idé agus Íosef, Abbeyfeale
were the opposition. Again, the St Joseph’s team applied themselves
excellently and claimed the victory, setting them up for the All-Ireland final
against St Colmcille’s, Dublin. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of Covid-19,
this game was postponed, and was not played for a considerable time.
However, our lads were extremely eager to play the final, and their enthusiasm
didn't dampen during the lay-off.
After a long wait, our boys finally took to the field in Summer 2021, in Moate,
Co Westmeath. They faced a very strong St Colmcille's team, boasting a
number of Dublin minor and U-20 players. Our lads performed superbly on the
day, and after a highly competitive and entertaining game, they emerged
victorious with six points to spare. Captain Adam Naughton was presented
with the All-Ireland Trophy, which brought to an end a memorable, if much
longer season than any of us had anticipated! Great credit is due to the panel
of players, who never let their hopes of playing in an All-Ireland final fade, and
they got their just reward when they were eventually crowned champions.
Well done to them.
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